An omen from Hafez
Ghazal 272
Come back, and be the soul-mate of my sorrowing heart;
and to this scorched one, be the keeper of hidden secrets.
Of that wine which they sell in the tavern of love,
give us two cups or three, and say: 'Let it be Ramadan.'
Since you set the cloak ablaze, O wayfaring gnostic,
strive now, and become the ringleader of the world's rends.
The heart's-beloved who said, 'I am anxious of heart for you'—
tell her: I am coming now; stay watchful, and be at peace.
My heart turned to blood in longing for that soul-giving ruby lip;
O casket of love, keep still the selfsame seal and mark.
That no dust of grief may settle upon her heart,
O flood of tears, come coursing on behind the letter.
Hafez, who craves so hotly the world-revealing cup—
tell him: be in the sight of the Asaf enthroned like Jamshid.